The University of Hawaii’s Housing Project, a massive undertaking led by Swinerton, represents a critical investment in both
the future of higher education and the local construction industry. As housing costs continue to rise across the islands, UH’s
commitment to providing affordable, on-campus housing is vital for its students. But beyond the project’s immediate impact
on the university, it also serves as a powerful example of the importance of union labor in delivering high-quality, community focused infrastructure.
Swinerton’s Role
As one of Hawaii’s premier construction firms, Swinerton has been at the forefront of the UH Housing Project, Hale Haukani, bringing with them a wealth of experience and a commitment to excellence. The project has been an opportunity not only to meet the growing demand for student housing but also to showcase the advantages of using union labor.
“We’ve been fortunate to partner with the carpenters’ union over the past three years, and the results have been exceptional,” said Ocean Kim, Swinerton Operations Manager. “Contrary to common misconceptions about younger generations lacking the skills for construction, we’ve found the opposite. Each year, we welcome outstanding interns into our team, many of whom
stay on and grow within the company. Some have even emerged as potential future leaders. The union has done an incredible job training and identifyin individuals who are not only skilled but show great promise for long-term success.”
Swinerton’s partnership as an HCATF signatory contractor and Career Connections Summer Internship host has allowed for the seamless integration of Career Connections interns into the workforce. Two summer interns and seven drywall apprentices have worked on this project, gaining invaluable industry experience. These young, motivated students have had the opportunity to work alongside seasoned professionals on-site, gaining hands-on experience in a high-stakes, real-world environment.
As Swinerton continues to push the boundaries of design and efficiency with Hale Haukani, the team is particularly proud of some unique features that set the project apart. Kim, highlighted one of the key innovations: “One of the more innovative aspects of the design is the near elimination of air conditioning. The project employs a low-tech, high-performance solution, integrating traditional lanais and vertical screen shading, supplemented by internal fans. This approach not only reduces energy costs but also defers maintenance and lowers initial construction expenses, all while ensuring that on-campus housing remains affordable for the graduate students and faculty who will reside there.”
This forward-thinking design is a testament to how thoughtful construction can enhance sustainability while addressing the community’s need for affordable housing solutions.
A Learning Opportunity for Career Connections Interns
For many of the Career Connections interns involved in Hale Haukani, this has been their first experience working on a large-scale construction site. The project, which encompasses two towers – one 12 stories and the other 18 – will feature 316 units ranging from studios to four-bedroom apartments, providing a total of 558 beds. This $170 million facility has provided an invaluable learning environment for interns and apprentices.
The interns’ work on this project has not only given them a deep understanding of the technical aspects of construction but has also allowed them to see firsthand the impact their work can have on the community. By providing much-needed housing for UH students, these interns are helping to build a better future for both the university and the state of Hawaii.
Union Labor & the Importance of Community Projects
The Hale Haukani Project has also highlighted the benefits of using union labor for large-scale infrastructure projects. Union workers bring with them not only the technical skills needed to execute complex projects but also a deep commitment to
quality and safety.
For UH, this project serves as an important opportunity to demonstrate the value of union work. “The Hale Haukani Project has truly highlighted the value of both our apprentices and interns in large-scale construction,” said Edmund Aczon, HCATF Executive Director. “These individuals bring not only technical expertise but also a dedication to quality, safety, and community. By utilizing skilled apprentices and motivated interns, we ensure that projects like this not only meet but exceed expectations in terms of craftsmanship and impact. It’s a testament to the strength of collaboration between our apprenticeship program, our interns, and the contractors, setting a standard for future projects across the islands.”
Hale Haukani not only meets the growing demand for affordable student housing but also creates a significant positive impact on the campus community. Kim highlighted how this project addresses multiple pressing needs for UH students: “This project will provide UH students with new and additional housing opportunities right on campus. Beyond just adding more rooms, it will have a long lasting impact on the campus by addressing key needs, including providing more quality and
affordable housing options, on-campus childcare, and additional retail services.”
The Impact on Hawaii’s Construction Industry
The Hale Haukani Project is more than just a construction project; it’s a symbol of the evolving relationship between Hawaii’s educational institutions and the local construction industry. By investing in union labor and integrating apprentices and Career Connections interns into the workforce, this project has created a powerful example of how construction can not only meet community needs but also serve as a training ground for the next generation of tradespeople.
As the project continues to progress, the lessons learned here will undoubtedly shape the future of construction in Hawaii. For HCATF and its partners, the UH Housing Project stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, education, and union labor in building a better future for the state.
To learn more about Swinerton’s work on this project and their other initiatives, visit them online at www.swinerton.com or explore details about their role in UH’s housing project at www.tinyurl.com/ swinerton-uh
